The GRAPHERGIA project was represented at the Patras IQ 2026 Innovation & Technology Exhibition, in its 9th edition, where our coordinator, the Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences of Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), showcased our cutting-edge research at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions.
Professor Spyros Yannopoulos, Research Director of FORTH/ICE-HT and GRAPHERGIA Coordinator, delivered a presentation entitled “Flexible graphene-enabled electronics for energy-autonomous smart textile applications” as part of the FORTH/ICE-HT two-hour session at the event held on Friday 27 February 2026. The talk introduced key aspects of GRAPHERGIA’s innovation, with particular emphasis on smart clothing applications, engaging an audience of approximately 50 participants.
The Laboratory for Nanotechnology and Advanced Energy Systems at FORTH/ICE-HT contributed to the presentation. Its research is pioneering the multi-scale modelling of laser-engineered graphene electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors. This work addresses a key challenge for the future of wearable technology and energy storage: how to create longer-lasting batteries and smart fabrics capable of charging themselves.
GRAPHERGIA’s Smart Textiles: The Power of Graphene into the Fibers of the Future
GRAPHERGIA’s innovative approach employs a novel laser-assisted strategy to induce both morphological modifications and carbon structure alterations in graphene anodes. This enables the formation of ion-accessible microchannels, enhancing ion transport, electrical conductivity, and overall electrochemical performance, in a process that adheres to Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles, as it allows the modification of commercial electrodes without the need for chemical additives.
Reflecting on the participation at Patras IQ 2026, Professor Yannopoulos highlighted:
“Smart textiles are not just about connectivity; they are about energy independence. We are weaving the power of graphene into the fibers of the future.” – Spyros Yannopoulos, Research Director of FORTH/ICE-HT and GRAPHERGIA Coordinator.
The research presented at Patras IQ 2026 was the result of the teamwork of Nadia Bali, Michalis Athanasiou, Athinais Mavrikaki, Natalia Kantouni, Markos Anagnostakos, and Spyros Yannopoulos.